# 33
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It was by chance that I heard the Duke of Spelman talking to the curator of the Natural History Museum.
No one doubts me or thinks I'm dangerous. This was a useful feature in situations like this.
Veronica headed in the opposite direction, looking annoyed, and took advantage of it by walking away, excusing that I needed to go to the bathroom.
No one doubted me.
Even when I was messing around, they stopped paying attention to me once they realized I wasn't a threat.
Then I immediately decided to follow Duke Spelman.
“…Have you prepared everything?”
The speaker was the Duke of Spelman.
“We have already finished, Your Eminence. You should be able to use it without any problems.”
“Is it wide enough?”
“Even someone could easily get through it. Just as you asked.”
“I believe I can achieve my goal thanks to you. I will never forget this favor.”
“Oh, there is no need to thank you, Your Honor. If it were not for the favor you have shown me, my son would now be dead. I will never forget this favor as long as I live.”
……So that’s right, a favor he will never forget until death.
Duke Spellman had a truly extraordinary talent for using people.
He was good at exploiting people's weaknesses to get what he wanted.
Violence for me, and money and his family life for the museum director.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to hear more details.
Tsk, if only I'd come a little earlier!
However, what I had to do from now on was certain. I should never have left Veronica's side.
I heard the sounds of footsteps approaching the door. I quietly, without appearing nervous, took two steps back.
The moment he opened the door, she showed a bright smile.
"Dad! I finally found you! What are you doing here?"
I said innocently, blinking. Duke Spelman replied with a mechanical smile:
“Were you looking for me?”
"Yes! I missed you so much!"
I held Duke Spelman's arm as I said kind words. At that moment, memories of Evelin came to my mind.
“…Even that amount of poison didn’t kill you.”
Duke Spelman's eyes looked at me as I writhed in pain and complained of stomach pain, as if I were an insect.
My whole body trembled.
I followed Duke Spellman, feeling like an insect model pinned to a nail stuck in the middle of my body.
As if I were his obedient daughter.
* * *
Duke Spelman continued to introduce himf with confidence and a calm smile. He introduces Veronica and Evelyn to the Natural History Museum.
“……I didn’t know that the Duke was so interested in natural history.”
"Her Highness may not know it, but the Spelman family has always been interested in social work. That's why they donated to expand the museum."
Thanks to this contribution, the Duke was able to come here as a donor. But of course he met Veronica and Evelyn by chance.
Duke Spellman's eyes shone with a faint sparkle.
'Obviously the poison doesn't affect her.'
According to Serena and Rosie, Evelyn was seeing Veronica often.
Evelyn always brought cookies with her when she visited Veronica.
For some reason, the fox-like Sirtain prevented the two from meeting.
Even though it was a small amount, it should have shown signs, but it was fine.
'Maybe it's not just Evelin who has a different nature.'
Duke Spellman recalled a memory from the past. It must have been the day Evelin was sick with fever and became foolish.
For some reason, whenever the anniversary of her mother's death approached, Evelyn became extremely ill.
Duke Spelmann decided to end this disgrace himf. There was no hope of her coming to her senses, he thought this was a good chance to get rid of her.
So he pretended to give her the medicine and administered the poison to her himf.
But no matter how much he gave, Evelin would suffer for a while, but she would get up as if nothing had happened.
The fact that she was immune to poison had been proven through experiments several times.
'I didn't know this condition was so common.'
So, it is possible that the Empress and the Crown Prince have a similar nature.
'Poison won't do any good, then.'
This means that physical harm was necessary. What Duke Spellman prepared this time was not as childish as poison.
“Besides, the Natural History Museum is famous for its beautiful forests, so I think it is worth investing in.”
“……Thanks to the Duke, the Imperial Nature History will shine for many years to come. I thank you on behalf of the Imperial Family.”
“No thanks needed. I only did what had to be done.”
Duke Spellman answered smoothly, without any hesitation or confusion.
He looked towards his daughter. Evelyn walked around the museum with her mouth open, as if amazed.
The Duke smiled wryly and turned his face away.
He checked everything he wanted to check today.
In addition, his hunting target was determined.
Veronica had a face full of explosive anger, Duke Spellman said
“Your birthday is coming up, isn't it? Congratulations in advance, Your Highness the Princess. I have prepared a special gift for you.”
“……I’m looking forward to it.”
Veronica answered coldly. At that moment, no one noticed Evelin, who was pretending to be watching inattentively, she looked at the two of them.
'You will never be able to do what you want.'
Veronica was a kind-hearted person. She even apologized because she couldn't make this outing as enjoyable as she promised.
She was one of the people who treated me as an equal human being.
Even Sertin, in a way, was like that.
I was lying on the bed shaking my feet.
“Ah…”
It was frustrating.
I knew something, but I didn't know how to put that knowledge to use.
Just being close wasn't enough.
There must be something at the Natural History Museum.
'Usable.'
‘Wide enough for someone to pass through.’
Should I tell Sertin about this? But how?
It would have been better if I had hired someone to inspect the museum.
I searched the museum as much as I could, avoiding the eyes of others, but I couldn't find anything special.
‘Something a person can pass through…’
I repeated this phrase in my mind over and over again.
'Is it possible that he is trying to kidnap her?'
I jumped up.
I don't know how, but maybe he was trying to kidnap Veronica!
I kept thinking about the way Duke Spelman looked at Veronica. His eyes were those of a hunter aiming for prey.
'But how will he do it?'
I bit my lip nervously.
He definitely wouldn't move himf. That wasn't his style.
I walked around the room.
Who could carry out such a plan?
Only if I can cause some confusion...
Veronica and I had similar colored hair, although hers was redder.
Red hair was considered common yet noble, especially among members of the royal family.
But the difference was in the color of the eyes: mine were emerald green, while Veronica's were dark brown.
Do the kidnappers know Veronica's exact appearance?
The Princess rarely went out, and due to pressure from Duke Spelmann, the newspapers did not talk about Veronica or the Empress much.
There were no visitors even to the princess's palace.
'If I wear the same clothes and makeup...'
I jumped up again.
I can fool their eyes. I can replace Veronica!
No matter what, Duke Spellman would not kill his daughter.
'It's clear that her stubbornness is similar to her mother. Leave her alive, she might be useful.'
...it might kill me.
He'll just think I'm just a fool who did something else stupid.
The time until the birthday party was only about five days.
Same clothes, jewelry and shoes.
I didn't have enough time to convince Veronica to buy the same things.
I thought I would have to visit Veronica's palace tomorrow for the first time in a long time.
The thought of eating cookies made my stomach sick, but I couldn't sit back and watch what would happen.
I have to move for my safety!